Shillong: The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Government of Meghalaya, successfully organised Rajya Jal Utsav 2026 at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, bringing together students, educators, government officials, experts, artists, and community members in a vibrant celebration of water conservation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.
The event was graced by Vivekanand Singh Rathore, IPS, Deputy Inspector General, SHQ BSF Shillong, as Chief Guest, and Ranjit Das, Scientist/Engineer ‘SF’, North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), as Guest of Honour. The programme highlighted the collective responsibility of safeguarding water resources while fostering greater awareness among citizens, particularly young people, about the importance of sustainable water management and environmental conservation.
A major highlight of Rajya Jal Utsav 2026 was the enthusiastic participation of students from educational institutions across the state. Through competitions in Drawing, Story Writing and Eco-Friendly Model Making themed “Our Water, Our Future: Community-Led Solutions for Water Security”, students showcased innovative ideas, creative expression, and practical solutions centred on water conservation, safe drinking water, climate resilience, and community ownership of water resources. Their participation reflected the growing awareness and commitment among Meghalaya’s youth towards building a sustainable future.
The celebrations also featured an engaging panel discussion on the theme “Water: Our Heritage, Our Responsibility, Our Future”, which explored the importance of conserving water sources, protecting fragile ecosystems, and preserving traditional knowledge systems related to water management. Moderated by Shri Conrad Pariat, the discussion brought together experts from diverse fields, including Smt. E. Shullai, Deputy Conservator of Forest (Social Forestry and Environment); Shri W. K. Kharkongor, Divisional Officer, Soil & Water Conservation; R. S. Nongbri, Chief Engineer, PHED Meghalaya; Mrs. Amebari Kharkongor, Assistant Professor, Shillong College; and Dr. Bankerlang Kharmylliem, Assistant Professor, Shillong Commerce College. The session was further enriched by a special presentation from Ranjit Das, Scientist/Engineer, NESAC, Government of India, Department of Space, who shared insights on the application of space technology in water resource management.
The various competitions were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges drawn from academia, government departments, and the private sector, ensuring a rigorous and transparent assessment process while recognising creativity, innovation, and relevance to the theme of water conservation.
The afternoon cultural programme added a unique and memorable dimension to the celebrations by beautifully intertwining Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage with the message of environmental conservation. A captivating Khasi musical performance highlighted the deep connection between communities and their natural surroundings, while the energetic Wangala Dance celebrated the traditions and agricultural heritage of the Garo Hills, reminding audiences of the intrinsic relationship between water, nature, and livelihoods.
Equally inspiring was the traditional Pnar dance performance, which conveyed a powerful message on environmental preservation and the collective responsibility to protect natural resources for future generations. Through music, storytelling, and dance, the cultural performances transformed the message of water conservation into a living expression of Meghalaya’s diverse traditions, illustrating how indigenous knowledge and cultural practices continue to play a vital role in promoting sustainable living and respect for nature.
The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to winners of the various competitions, recognising their outstanding talent, creativity, and commitment to advancing awareness on water conservation. Rajya Jal Utsav 2026 reaffirmed Meghalaya’s commitment to protecting its precious water resources while empowering communities, especially young people, to become active champions of environmental stewardship and sustainable development under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
